[a/s] Elegaint Airstream Electrical

["MyAirstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxx>]

In the early days of Airstream whatever little electrical was used, mostly
for lighting, came from power generated by the towing vehicle . . . like a
Model A :)

As our vehicles progressed after WWII the need for more and more ModCons
(modern conveniences) prompted Univolt and DC fans, swamp coolers, better DC
lights, DC powered radios and then stereo, DC water pumps, DC fluorescents
and many more appliances.  I even have a small DC TV.  All these had in
common the ability to run off 12 volt DC batteries which in turn could be
charged by the towing vehicle.

But as the amount and power of the ModCons rose, it becomes necessary to add
battery power to give a longer life to the appliances.  My towing vehicle
has an extra marine deep cycle plus the deep cycle onboard my Airstream.  If
I am frugal I can last two or three days in the field without running my tow
vehicle.

The military uses the concept of tow vehicle power generation extensively
and it is reliable albeit expensive for gas and somewhat maintenance
intense.

I would love to find THE BEST solar panel and voltage controller to charge
my batts.  Then I could stay in the field a lot longer without starting up
the tow vehicle for hours to charge batts.

I am not at all interested in owning or being anywhere near an external
generator.  I have had dozens of peaceful campsites in the wild Southwest
ruined by folks who need to have a Microwave, VCR, 40 amp stereo, Air
conditioning, big electric refrigerator, toater oven, hair dryer, Halogen
area lights to fend off prowlers etc.

Such rigs are more well designed for electrified campsites than boondocking.
So what's the point you might ask?

When making choices for appliances to fit into your Airstream give some
thought to buying DC powered appliances.  Fluorescent lights, DC stereo with
CD, and others mention above are examples.  If you do buy DC powered MOdCons
than they will work even when you are not on line power.  If you don't they
will not work without a line hookup unless you will have big inverters power
which are inefficient compared to direct DC.

Does anybody have some really good ModCons?
Does anybody have the best solar system?